Behind the Scenes, an initiative of the ESTA Foundation to provide industry members with financial support when they are seriously ill or injured, announced that two companies, Rose Brand and Reed Rigging, are making donations to the program as part of their 2009 holiday charitable giving.
"Rose Brand has been an active participant in supporting The ESTA Foundation's Behind the Scenes program since its inception in 2005,” states Josh Jacobstein, Rose Brand’s sales director. “We feel that it is essential that companies like ours take care of our fellow industry professionals and family members in need of support. We look forward to working with the organization for many years to come."
Benjamin Cohen, director of sales at Reed Rigging, says, “Tough economic times place immense pressures on us when we least expect them. With job losses, budget cutbacks, and even the growing threat of H1N1, an organization like The ESTA Foundation’s Behind the Scenes is more important than ever. Beyond the monetary assistance, Behind the Scenes has reinvigorated our industry brothers and sisters in times of need with renewed confidence to look beyond immediate challenges and toward brighter days ahead.”
The employees of Reed Rigging have chosen to forgo their annual holiday party this year and to make a donation to keep Behind the Scenes “operating at full potential so the many among us who are in need will have happier holidays this season,” according to Cohen.
In addition, holiday cards are still on sale to benefit Behind The Scenes. Scenic designer Douglas Schmidt has created an elegant stage waiting to be brought to life by dancing snowflakes, while talented young photographer Andrew Hefter is back for a third year with a card featuring the ghost light as a beacon of hope against a brilliant night sky. Tim Hunter Design has used a large canvas with the ghost light to remind us that the holidays are the time to care for each other and for those less fortunate.
To view the card designs and order online, click here. For more information, please contact Ryan Swearingen at 212-244-1421 or email him here.
Behind the Scenes directly benefits anyone who works in the industry, from stagehands and designers to employees of manufacturers, dealers and production companies. Grants are tailored to each individual’s needs and may be used for medical care and for basic living expenses.
Individuals or companies can support Behind the Scenes by making donations online at www.estafoundation.org or by calling 212-244-1421.